Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Prospective Comparative Studies.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, which often results in a significant limitation of daily activity. The objective of this review was to compare platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) and corticosteroids injection in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library of clinical trials were searched in March 2019. Inclusion criteria were prospective comparative studies reporting functional scores or pain score with a minimum follow-up of 1 month. We excluded studies with patients younger than 18 years and patients with a history of surgical intervention, infection, or rheumatological disease. First author, publication year, sample size, type of intervention, outcome measures, and follow-up period were recorded. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was significantly better in the PRP group at 6 months' follow-up, with a lower visual analogue scale at 6- and 12-month intervals. The Foot and Ankle Disability Index and Roles-Maudsley score were similar in the 2 treatments at 3 and 6 months. PRP injection in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis is considered safe, with a favorable functional outcome and pain control at intermediate and long-term follow-up in comparison to corticosteroid injection.